Ginseng Phytochemicals as Therapeutics in Oncology: Recent Perspectives

The document from April 2018 reviews the potential of ginseng phytochemicals, particularly ginsenosides, as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. It presents evidence from various studies showing ginseng's anti-cancer properties, such as anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Ginseng has been effective against breast, lung, liver, colon, and skin cancers, and can enhance chemotherapy effects and reduce side effects like alopecia and fatigue. Notable studies include a case-control study in South Korea with 4,587 individuals and a randomized trial in China with 643 patients, suggesting a reduced cancer risk with ginseng consumption. Specific ginsenosides like Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, and compound K have been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The document concludes that ginseng has potential as a complementary and alternative medicine in oncology, but emphasizes the need for more research to confirm these effects across different populations.